Bosnia and Turkey mark military cooperation with delivery of armoured vehicles

The ceremony was attended by Lieutenant General Gojko Knezevic, Chief of the Joint Staff of the AFBiH; Turkish Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Emin Akseki; EUFOR representatives; senior AFBiH staff; and officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of BiH.

Defence Minister Zukan Helez signed the protocol on behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Colonel Murat Kul, Turkey’s Defence Attaché in Sarajevo, signed on behalf of the Turkish Ministry of National Defence.

Minister Helez expressed deep appreciation for Turkey’s continued military support, highlighting that this donation follows recent deliveries of an anti-drone system and specialised Military Police vehicles, important steps in the ongoing modernisation of the AFBiH.

“These new vehicles will enhance our operational readiness, improve troop mobility and safety, and strengthen our interoperability with NATO forces,” Helez said. “We must recognise the times we live in, the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina serve all citizens and are a cornerstone of peace, stability, and security in this country.”

He stressed that this latest donation is a key part of long-term efforts to strengthen the nation’s security and is a testament to the strong partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey.

Turkish Ambassador Emin Akseki reaffirmed Turkey’s unwavering support for Bosnia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional framework, adding that Ankara places strategic importance on Balkan stability.

“Supporting the modernisation of the AFBiH contributes to peace and security, both in peacekeeping operations under the UN and throughout the broader region,” Akseki said. “This delivery is one of the clearest expressions of our shared strategic vision, not just military cooperation, but the promotion of lasting peace, stability, and friendship.”

He emphasised that Turkey’s role in upgrading AFBiH capabilities reflects not only technical collaboration but also the historical, cultural, and strategic partnership between the two countries. “This is a contribution to Bosnia’s self-reliance, regional stability, and long-term security, rooted in Turkey’s broader vision of peace in the Balkans,” he said.

The BMC KIRPI II is a modern, mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) 4x4 armoured vehicle designed to offer superior protection against mines and ballistic threats. Equipped with all-wheel drive, it ensures high mobility and performance in diverse terrain conditions.